Temperature-dependent buckling and mode jumping analysis of axially compressed composite profiles
Abstract
This paper examines the temperature-dependent behavior of composite materials under axial compression across a wide temperature range, focusing on buckling mode transitions. Experimental tests were conducted using a servo-hydraulic MTS system at temperatures from − 20 °C to 80 °C. Load-displacement and load-deflection data were collected via a 3D DIC system, ensuring accurate characterization of the buckling response. Based on Classical Laminate Theory (CLT), the temperature-dependent laminate stiffness components were determined, with particular attention given to D ₁₆ and D ₂₆ , which describe bending–twisting coupling and may influence the evolution of buckling patterns and the susceptibility of the structure to transitions between competing equilibrium states. The main novelty of this study is the application of full-field 3D DIC to identify and track the development of mode-jumping phenomena during loading at different temperatures and to relate the observed changes to the temperature-dependent bending–twisting stiffness of the laminate. Mode transitions were identified from the redistribution of the out-of-plane displacement field and changes in the number and location of longitudinal half-waves. The results demonstrate that temperature significantly affects structural stiffness, deformation capacity, and the evolution of post-buckling patterns. Lower temperatures produced a stiffer structural response, whereas higher temperatures resulted in greater deformability and larger displacements before failure. The study provides new experimental insight into the temperature-dependent evolution of buckling patterns and mode-jumping pathways in thin-walled composite profiles. These findings may support the design and assessment of CFRP load-bearing components operating under variable temperature conditions, particularly in aerospace and other high-performance engineering applications.
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BibTeX
@article{falkowicz2026temperaturedependent,
title = {{Temperature-dependent buckling and mode jumping analysis of axially compressed composite profiles}},
author = {Katarzyna Falkowicz and Pawel Wysmulski},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-77885-9},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-77885-9},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Temperature-dependent buckling and mode jumping analysis of axially compressed composite profiles
AU - Katarzyna Falkowicz
AU - Pawel Wysmulski
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/04
JO - Scientific Reports
DO - 10.1038/s41598-026-77885-9
UR - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-77885-9
AB - This paper examines the temperature-dependent behavior of composite materials under axial compression across a wide temperature range, focusing on buckling mode transitions. Experimental tests were conducted using a servo-hydraulic MTS system at temperatures from − 20 °C to 80 °C. Load-displacement and load-deflection data were collected via a 3D DIC system, ensuring accurate characterization of the buckling response. Based on Classical Laminate Theory (CLT), the temperature-dependent laminate stiffness components were determined, with particular attention given to D ₁₆ and D ₂₆ , which describe bending–twisting coupling and may influence the evolution of buckling patterns and the susceptibility of the structure to transitions between competing equilibrium states. The main novelty of this study is the application of full-field 3D DIC to identify and track the development of mode-jumping phenomena during loading at different temperatures and to relate the observed changes to the temperature-dependent bending–twisting stiffness of the laminate. Mode transitions were identified from the redistribution of the out-of-plane displacement field and changes in the number and location of longitudinal half-waves. The results demonstrate that temperature significantly affects structural stiffness, deformation capacity, and the evolution of post-buckling patterns. Lower temperatures produced a stiffer structural response, whereas higher temperatures resulted in greater deformability and larger displacements before failure. The study provides new experimental insight into the temperature-dependent evolution of buckling patterns and mode-jumping pathways in thin-walled composite profiles. These findings may support the design and assessment of CFRP load-bearing components operating under variable temperature conditions, particularly in aerospace and other high-performance engineering applications.
SN - 2045-2322
ER -